EU Naval Force Reiterates Need for Vigilance at Sea Following Recent Pirate Attack on Fuel Tanker off the North Coast of Somalia

March 17, 2017 - 12:53

The Operation Commander of the EU Naval Force, Major General Rob Magowan CBE, today reiterated the need for vigilance in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean after the Comoros-flagged fuel tanker, Aris 13, was pirated and its crew held hostage for four days off the north coast of Somalia.

Speaking about the incident, which took place on Monday 13 March 2017, Major General Rob Magowan CBE said “Thankfully the crew are now safe, but this attack clearly demonstrated that Somali pirates still have the intent and capability to get out to sea. As I have stated previously, it is crucial that vessels remain vigilant in the Indian Ocean and stay within the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor as they transit the Gulf of Aden.”

Counter-piracy task forces from EU NAVFOR and the Combined Maritime Forces coordinate air and sea assets to deter and disrupt acts of piracy at sea.